State of Play Andy Allen: Why He Takes 3 Years to Build Apps.
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Mar 2, 2026 
Andy Allen, designer and founder who left a VC-backed startup to run bootstrapped Not Boring Software. He explains why he spends three years building apps, how slow timelines foster distinctive, design-driven work, the freedom of staying bootstrapped, hands-on prototyping with physical models, and why game feel and interface craft matter more than chasing AI hype.
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Three Year Camera Development Journey
- Andy Allen spent about three years developing the Not Boring Camera app, iterating off-and-on before finding its unique essence.
- The long timeline included prototyping playful physical gestures and then pivoting to pro-level image work like LUTs after early ideas felt cumbersome.
When Speed Harms Craft
- Speed is a core advantage in VC-backed startups but not essential for design focused on differentiation and craft.
- Andy frames Not Boring's roadmap as redoing iPhone 1 home screen apps, allowing long development to refine unique, tactile experiences.
Build Working Prototypes Fast
- Prototype quickly and build working versions to test ideas rather than over-indexing on polished static mocks.
- Andy built a working winding-shutter prototype in weeks, learned it felt cumbersome, and discarded it after real use revealed flaws.